The government is finalising plans to introduce hepatitis vaccination for all Tanzanians, in a move aimed at strengthening prevention and reducing the burden of the disease across the country.
Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Florence Samizi, told Parliament in Dodoma on April 10, 2026 that preparations are underway to establish a system that will enable nationwide access to the vaccine.
She was responding to a question from Buchosa MP Erick James Shigongo, who sought to know when the programme would be extended to cover all citizens.
Speaking on behalf of Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa, Dr Samizi said the hepatitis vaccine is currently administered to newborns under the national immunisation schedule, with doses given shortly after birth to provide early protection.
She said the vaccine is also offered to high-risk groups, including healthcare workers and others with increased exposure to infection.
Dr Samizi noted that hepatitis vaccination services are already available in national, zonal and regional referral hospitals, as well as district and council health facilities.
She explained that individuals are first tested, and those found free of Hepatitis B are given the vaccine in three doses over a specified period.
The government, she said, has formed a team of experts to prepare a detailed proposal outlining the rollout strategy and cost implications of expanding the programme to reach the entire population.
Once the plan is completed, implementation will begin, marking a significant step towards expanding access to preventive healthcare and protecting more Tanzanians from hepatitis infections.
